Definition

Protein C is a normal substance in the body that prevents blood clotting. A blood test can be done to see how much of this protein you have in your blood.

Alternative Names

Autoprothrombin IIA

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed.

How to Prepare for the Test

Certain medicines can change blood test results.

• Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take.
• Your provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any medicines before you have this test. This may include blood thinners.
• Do not stop or change your medicines without talking to your provider first.

How the Test will Feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or slight bruising. This soon goes away.

Why the Test is Performed

You may need this test if you have an unexplained blood clot or a family history of blood clots. Protein C helps control blood clotting. A lack of this protein or a problem with the function of this protein may cause blood clots to form in veins abnormally.

The test is also used to screen relatives of people who are known to have protein C deficiency. It may also be done to find the reason for repeated miscarriages.

Normal Results

Normal values are 60% to 150% inhibition.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

A lack (deficiency) of protein C can lead to excess clotting. These clots tend to form in veins, not arteries.

Protein C deficiency can be passed down through families (inherited). It can also develop with other conditions, such as:

• Chemotherapy use
• Disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting become over active (disseminated intravascular coagulation)
• Liver disease
• Long-term antibiotic use
• Warfarin (Coumadin) use

A problem such as a sudden blood clot in the lung may reduce the protein C level.

Protein C level rises with age or while pregnant, but this does not cause any health problems.

Risks

There is little risk involved with having your blood taken. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another, and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight, but may include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Fainting or feeling lightheaded
• Multiple punctures to locate veins
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

References

Anderson JA, Weitz JI. Hypercoagulable states. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 138.